2026-27 Fantasy Basketball: Draft Tactics That Work In Any League Format

It's a wonderful time of year. Basketball is back (almost), and with that, fantasy hoops come along with it. As with any kind of fantasy sport, things can get quite overwhelming, especially when factoring in the variety of scoring formats. There are certain strategies that can be utilized for those playing in points leagues as opposed to category formats, and depending on which you participate in, player rankings can differ.

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However, sometimes the best approach is the simplest, and there are tactics that can be applied universally to any format, which will hopefully make anyone's fantasy experience not only more successful but also enjoyable. 

Don't fall for the hype

Entering any fantasy basketball season, some players draw more attention than others. In a lot of these instances, there isn't a clear reason why a certain player may be labeled a "breakout candidate" other than someone with a massive social media following making the prediction. Truth be told, many of these people have no evidence to support their predictions and are just basing it on a "hunch."

We've all been there: one of these social media people says Player A will be a star, so we do everything we can to get this person on our team. Then, when Player A flops, the person who made the breakout claim takes no responsibility, leaving you high and dry.

I'm here to tell you to make logical decisions. While I have been around the block and am fully capable of giving sound advice regarding adequate draft strategies, I am certainly not delusional enough to tell you with full confidence that someone is due for a big year. Can I give you reasons why a player MAY have a quality season? Yes. Should I say a player WILL have a great year? No, and nobody else should either, for that matter.

I, along with everyone else, have no way of telling who will get hurt, suspended, etc. So, I am begging you, don't fall for the hype. It often doesn't work out. Trust me.  

Don't Panic

I'll create a hypothetical scenario that I'm sure has happened to us all in previous years: you're having a fantastic draft, with Cade Cunningham, Cooper Flagg, Devin Booker and Kawhi Leonard making up your first four picks. Things are going well, but then panic sets in because you need a center. As you approach the later rounds, you'll realize there are only so many bigs to go around. As a result, you end up reaching for a player — one who would have been there a round or two later.

These situations can be stressful, but whatever you do, DON'T PANIC. Others are likely in the same boat, and it's usually the case that you may be stronger at one position than another. Also remember, the waiver wire is your friend throughout the season. When one player goes down with an injury, there is someone else ready to step into the starting lineup or at least get more minutes. 

Durability, Durability, Durability

The greatest ability is availability. It's such a cliché, but it's true. Think about some of the best players in the NBA’s history: Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Dirk Nowitzki and Russell Westbrook, to name a few. They were mostly healthy during their prime years. Granted, they are (were) all excellent players, but their ability to stay healthy and play through constant ailments isn't talked about enough.

Need an example? Anthony Davis finished last season with averages of 20.4 points, 11.1 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.7 blocks and 1.1 steals over 31.3 minutes. On the other hand, Mikal Bridges averaged 14.4 points, 3.7 assists and 1.3 steals across 32.8 minutes. When you look at stats alone, it's easy to assume Davis was a better fantasy option. Yet, he was limited to 20 regular-season games and ended the 2025-26 campaign with 850.7 total fantasy points. However, Bridges wasn't as productive from a statistical standpoint but was still a better option overall, ending the year with 2,395.1 fantasy points.

Why? Because he was healthy.

This is obviously an extreme scenario, so please do not misconstrue what I'm saying. Let me be clear: I am not suggesting Bridges should be drafted ahead of Davis in any fantasy format. What I am saying is that in instances where you need to decide on who to draft, and those players are close in preseason rankings, sometimes it's better to take the cautious approach by selecting the more durable option.

This isn't a knock on players like Kawhi Leonard, LaMelo Ball and Joel Embiid, guys who are frequently listed on the injury report, but there's a reason why they aren't higher in the preseason rankings. If they were guaranteed to play at least 70 games, all three would be top-10 fantasy options, though that is never the case. Remember, when deciding which player to choose during a draft, regardless of the format, go the durability route.

Be smart early and take chances later. Oh, and leave your ego at the door.

Everyone has instances in their lives when they want to prove they know a thing or two. It's a normal thing that humans do. There are plenty of situations where this applies: impressing someone you want to date, discussing a work project with your boss, showing your parents you learned something at college; the list is endless.

However, when it comes to fantasy basketball and drafting, and this applies to other sports as well, nobody cares how much you or anyone else in the room knows. Taking unnecessary risks will get you nowhere.

Now, am I saying risks aren't necessary at times? Of course not, but reserve that for the later rounds. A good rule to follow is to establish a starting lineup made up of players with a high floor and a high ceiling. Then, throw in a few reliable bench options. After both of those have been accomplished, it's OK to take a chance on a few players.